Red Sox reliever Takashi Saito could be an underrated commodity on the free-agent market this offseason based on his career 2.05 ERA and ability to serve as a reliable eighth-inning option or closer. (Boston Herald)
Boston Red Sox free-agent reliever Takashi Saito, who's coming off a solid 2009 campaign, reportedly has eight teams interested in signing him this offseason.
According to NPB Tracker, the Red Sox declined his $6 million option for 2010, causing the 39-year-old reliever to hit the market as neither a Type A or B free agent.
The Atlanta Braves, Chicago Cubs, White Sox and New York Mets represent four of the eight interested teams, while it's being speculated that the Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, Philadelphia Phillies and Houston Astros make up the remaining four.
The former All-Star closer posted a 3-3 record with a 2.43 ERA in 56 appearances in 2009, striking out 52 over 55 2/3 innings.
Saito spent 14 seasons with Yokohama of the Japanese Central League before signing a minor league deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers as a 36-year-old rookie in 2006.
Surprisingly, Saito recorded 24 saves, earning an eighth place finish in the 2006 NL Rookie of the Year voting, as well as eighth place in the NL Cy Young Award race.
In 2007, he compiled 39 saves in 43 opportunities
However, during the 2008 season, Saito spent a significant amount of time on the disabled list battling a strained elbow ligament, thus paving the way for fireballer Jonathan Broxton to assume the closer role.
The Astros face the possibility of losing Type A free agents LaTroy Hawkins and Jose Valverde this offseason, forcing general manager Ed Wade to make the bullpen situation a major priority -- just in case neither accept arbitration.
According to sources, Hawkins will likely return to the Astros for the 2010 season as either the eighth inning option or closer, with Valverde expecting to get offered top dollar from other teams, since he ranks as the No. 1 closer on the market.
If Valverde leaves via free agency, the signing team must surrender draft picks to the Astros as compensation.
Wade could target Saito as a potential option, considering he pitched the 2009 season in Boston under the guidance of newly hired Astros manager Brad Mills, and remains a close friend to second baseman Kaz Matsui.
Hypothetically, the Astros could slide Hawkins into the closer role and use Saito as the eighth inning option -- or vice versa.
Although he turns 40-years-old prior to the start of next season, Saito's remarkable career 2.05 ERA over 245 1/3 innings, while holding opponents to a .196 batting average, makes him an attractive option for teams seeking late-inning help.
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